The 42nd Man O' War Stakes
9th @ Belmont
The 42nd Man O' War Stakes
9th @ Belmont
2. Gritty Sandie...Prado/126...Last 2 have accounted for half of career wins, though one occurred here--albeit in an allowance affair. It's a long staircase up to Grade 1 winner from his platform. Not totally out of the question as his time was respectable last out. Duplication here seems unlikely though. Prado, like many, suffered through a less than satisfying Spa meet.
3. Drama Critic...Velasquez/126...Not sure what to think here. Last two have been puzzling efforts as his normally sure wide running tactics seemed to have sapped his energy as of late. Seems to have suffered once he left Kentucky as well. Will the blinkers help? Henning scores 15% when trying them for the first time. Thrilling win at Keeneland in pretty nice time back in April. Recent efforts look a long way from that performance though.
4. John's Call...Samyn/126...Shocking ease is what I'd call his Sword Dancer win. Of course, Aly's Alley had softened them up severely at the crucial point for this guy. The turf must have had an impact as well, as those fractions didn't appear too lively. He just ran off in the last 1/16. His feet must be the size of footballs! Interesting thing is, now he has to shorten up here. Last time at 1 3/8, he finished 6 1/2 back after being steadied. That came after a 1 1/2 win on a yielding Laurel surface. Possible he takes too much money for this spot here as well. If he pairs them up he could be tough, but you have to take a stand somewhere.
5. Just Listen...Prado/126...Interesting entry here. He ran well in the McKnight at Calder last year and disappeared until the steamy Manhattan here on Belmont day. Tired. Next out: Tired, this time at sloppy Saratoga. Then goes back to grass in an allowance just 7 days ago and runs evenly to finish only 6 back while racing inside. He finished third in the 12f Lawrence Realization here last year while racing 4-wide on both turns. He'll be an astronomical price, and just might make an exotics showing.
6. Aly's Alley...Davis/126...Hard to put a price on the warmth I would feel if he could win this. I had high hopes for him last year, and am grateful he might have found his niche on the weeds. Set a strong pace given course condition in the Sword Dancer and was definitely best of the rest under the wire after John's Call. Damned near stole the United Nations at this distance at 21-1. Looks like he should feel right at home while turning back here. Figures to be no better than third, maybe fourth choice as respect still isn't there. Davis fits like a glove with early running tendencies.
7. Timboroa...Day/126...Frankel appears to have signed a pact with Satan because he's turned up the heat in Hell's kitchen this year. He's winning in spots he didn't know existed, or so it seems. This would be no exception, with Pat Day no less. He's winning 21% to boot! Had a rough trip last out inside or he may have been in contention for his 2nd Group 1 win, this one at Deauville. That, at a mile, and he is definitely better suited for this distance. $415K in the bankroll from 7 starts. First-time lasix. In the money 10 of 13. Wouldn't surprise me at all. If anyone spots Bobby at a craps table soon, please give a holler. I'd like to get in on this roll!
8. Ela Athena ...Migliore/126...Filly beat the males at Haydock in a Group 3 back in July. Hard to tell how she'll react to American turf. No works. No trainer stats. Breeding looks good. She's never really dominated in her on ranks which is what I'd like to see in choosing a filly over the boys. Judging from previous odds though, I'd have to label her an over-achiever. Of course, those are set by bettors and we all know how astute they are. I mean, you're reading this aren't you? With so little known, hard to rule out. You don't just ship a couple-thousand miles for nothing. I would suspect the connections want to discover which Breeders' Cup race she belongs in.
You think I'm gonna choose against Fantastic Light here? BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! Wrong! With these pp's, Jerry, Godolphin, and first-time juice? Only negative is short odds. I'm looking for exotics here though.
Those exotics begin with Ela Athena who is making future plans but could score by accident.
Aly's Alley is going to heist one on the front someday. I'll have to use him as well.
John's Call still appears sharp and Frankel picks up Timboroa so I'll also include them on the bottom.
1. Fantastic Light
2. Ela Athena
3. Aly's Alley
9th Belmont 9-9-2000 42nd Man O' War Stakes
© 2000 bBra